State News

Illinois State Police announce enforcement results from inaugral Distracted Driving Week

Monday, May 8 by Jc Tinsley

Illinois State Police (ISP) Troopers across the state participated in the first ever “distracted driving awareness week.” During this enforcement campaign Troopers gave special attention to distracted driving, while still enforcing other violations of the Illinois Vehicle Code (IVC). The...

Flooding affects recreation sites at Shawnee National Forest

Friday, May 5 by Jc Tinsley

Southern Illinois currently is responding to flooding. As rain continues to fall, many of our streams and rivers have yet to crest, or reach their highest level. While Shawnee National Forest works to assess the impacts of flooding, it’s important people remain safe...

American Red Cross Continues with Flood Response While Preparing for Potential of Additional Flooding

Friday, May 5 by Jc Tinsley

The American Red Cross Central and Southern Illinois Region continues to assist residents who were affected by the heavy rains and flash flooding that pummeled parts of the Midwest, including central and southern Illinois, over the past week. A number of communities in...

ICC Approves New Electric Rates for Mt. Carmel Public Utility

Friday, May 5 by Jc Tinsley

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved new electric rates for Mt. Carmel Public Utility Company this week, the company’s first electric rate increase since 2008. The new rates are expected to generate approximately $1,901,561 in additional annual revenue.Mt. Carmel Public Utility...

Statement from Governor Regarding American Healthcare Act

Friday, May 5 by Jc Tinsley

Governor Bruce Rauner has released the following statement regarding the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the American Healthcare Act: “The bill that passed in the U.S. House today continues to be of deep concern to our administration. Recent changes did not...

Shimkus Statement on House Passage of the American Health Care Act

Friday, May 5 by Jc Tinsley

Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) released the following statement after the House approved legislation to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), known more commonly as Obamacare:

Treasurer Frerichs Statement on U.S. Senate Vote That Hurts Employers, Workers Saving for Retirement

Thursday, May 4 by Jc Tinsley

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today released the following statement after the U.S. Senate’s vote to pass House Joint Resolution 66. The passage of the resolution weakens protections for employers who choose to offer Illinois’ Secure Choice retirement savings plan to their workers. Frerichs championed...

Shimkus Votes to Turn the Page on Obama-era Spending

Thursday, May 4 by Jc Tinsley

On Thursday the House of Representatives approved the last ever federal spending bill based upon an Obama-era budget. The bipartisan omnibus appropriations bill will keep the government running through September 30, 2017.“My constituents are fed up with massive, must-pass bills that...

Governor Urges Illinois Drivers to be Aware and Travel with Care

Thursday, May 4 by Jc Tinsley

Governor Bruce Rauner today joined fellow motorcycle enthusiasts and safety advocates to kick-start the riding season and launch the Illinois Department of Transportation’s annual “Start Seeing Motorcycles” campaign. The governor proclaimed May as Motorcycle Awareness Month in Illinois for the 34th consecutive year...